What is hand, foot and mouth disease?

After multiple football players contracted hand, foot and mouth disease, West Virginia University had to postpone its popular fan appreciation day.

“I know fans who were planning on attending Fan Day will be disappointed, but this is in the best interest of all involved,” director of athletics Shane Lyons said in a statement. “Our medical staff is doing an excellent job of addressing the matter. However, there is no reason to put the general public at risk.”

WVU football players aren’t the only athletes who have been inflicted with the disease this year. In July, New York Mets pitcher Noah Syndergaard was moved to the 10-day disabled list after he contracted the virus.

As WVU noted, the disease – although relatively mild – is extremely contagious. Read on for a look at what it is and how it spreads.

What is the disease?

Hand, foot and mouth disease is mild, but it’s highly contagious.

Those inflicted can have sores in the mouth, along with rashes on the hands and feet, according to the Mayo Clinic. Other symptoms can include fever, loss of appetite and sore throats.

How does it spread?

One can get the disease if he or she is within close contact to someone who is already infected or comes into contact with a contaminated surface or object, the CDC says. An infected person’s cough, sneeze or feces – such as the changing of a baby’s diaper – can also spread the disease.